Stair Runners

I finally got my long awaited stair runners replaced.  There is a slight snafu with the "back" stair so I will have a little painting to do this weekend, however, I am super happy with the new goods!
Before there was a gray and slightly corporate looking runner.  It was probably 15 years old and while it camouflaged dirt really well, it was not very pretty.

The back stair had the same carpet.

Picking out something fun for the back stair that we use to go to our bedroom.  It's also the first thing you see when you come in the oft used side door.  Dash & Albert samples available through Hudson.

I knew I wanted sisal on the main stairs.  This is from Steven King (to the trade).

Another before of the back stairs with paint color swatches

Exposed treads.

On it's way!

If I had a wider staircase, I would have done a wider contrast border for more interest, but it's actually a little narrow in person (which is surprising), so I kept it really simple.

Pretty!

I specified wall-to-wall carpet for the back stairs, but then mis-communicated when I asked the installer if I can use the Dash & Albert runners for the area.  He assumed that I wanted a runner instead.  Now I have some old beat up stairs exposed on either side.  Thus my aforementioned paint project.  Glad this wasn't a client's job.

Front stairs are pretty at night with the Christmas garland.

textile inspiration

Here is some inspiration I've been collecting for textile designs.  

I am drawn to neutral things and earth tones (and black) as a rule.  I love texture, tribal references, historical indigenous patterns or natural geometrics.

With summer coming, I've been infusing much more color into my life.  I've always loved color, but I can be wary of them.  As I start wearing more color, I am finding that I use more in interiors.  I've been lucky to have clients that know what they want & many want color.  Many also have young children.  This has me thinking about fabrics that we can all live with and love, no matter our age.

And don't even get me started on stripes.  When in doubt, a classic stripe (awning, ticking, anything!) works in all environments.

Stripes

You know my penchant for stripes.  I just love them.  I'm wearing them now, as a matter of fact.  I suggest a striped bathroom or powder room at any chance I get.  I've been lucky enough to engage this stripe policy in a powder room I'm working on.  It has a tall ceiling that feels stall-like.  Solution: horizontal stripes.  I'll show you the end result once it's complete.  
Here are some applications that work for me.

A lot of these stripes are bold.  I am going for a more subtle tonal vibe in my project.  While not an overly glamorous bath, this image captures the palette for my project a bit better:

 I like the art in this one.  I also like the fact that the ceiling is also striped.